Breakfast For Your Soul

Monday, December 7, 2009

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as My Father has sent Me, even so send I you.  And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, Receive you the Holy Ghost…

(John 20:21-22)

Piece of God = Peace with God

God is so good.  Picture it… Jesus had just been crucified.  The disciples saw Him die (from a distance).  They were hiding in fear that they would be next to suffer the same fate as their Lord.  Suddenly, Jesus appears in the room.  The first thing He says to them is, “Peace, be still” .  Remember how frightened they were when He walked on water through the storm.  They thought He was a ghost then, and as far as they knew He was still alive, so you can imagine how they felt after watching Him die and now… here He is.  They realized after talking with Him that, first of all it was Him… He showed them the nail prints.  Then He gave them clear instructions on what they were supposed to do (basically get out of that room and get to work ), as well as the power to do it.  It is interesting to me that the first words out of the mouth of the Lord was “Peace” and that His first action was to breath on them.  He gave them the Holy Spirit… a piece of Himself.  The onus was on them to receive what He gave them.  Only by the power of the Holy Spirit could they have been enabled to go through what they went through.  They were beaten, tortured, maligned, banished, imprisoned and killed for the name of Jesus… and they felt honored to do so.  They knew the Truth, and the Truth had set them free from what men could do to them.  They went from fearful to faithful.  Their strength was increased.  May God help us to have that same tenacity in times of trouble.  To hold fast to our confession, and trust in the Lord no matter what is happening around us.  This weekend I had what I like to call a teachable moment from on high.  My daughter and I were coming home from church and encountered a road block.  There had just been a five car accident, and the police diverted all traffic on that side.  I am extremely unfamiliar with this particular area.  Add that I was tired, it was late, dark and the roads were icy and you have a recipe for potential disaster.  The GPS was inadvertently left home and no one I called could help me.  I was completely lost.  I could feel fear starting to rise in my heart, and knew that if I ‘lost it’ it would only make a bad situation worse… so I kept on driving…. I started out in Upper Marlboro Maryland and ended up 5 miles from Waldorf in my attempt to reach my destination… Southeast DC!  I was going in the complete opposite direction!  I turned around praying for the little green sign that would say “Washington“.  I saw one… and then nothing but long dark lonely highway after that.  I held on to the last sign I saw and kept straight.  Eventually, I begin to enter into familiar territory and finally we made it home.  A 25 minute trip took 2 hours!  I was so grateful.  The peace of God kept me, because a ‘piece’ of God is in me…

 

 

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

[2 Chronicles 7:14]

So we, being many, are one body in CHRIST, and every one members one of another [Romans 12:5]

For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is CHRIST.
[1 Corinthians 12:12]

“Angels”, Richard Smallwoodhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfBNofC1Ggc“He Reigns”, Kevin LeVarhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPDUvrKIRtY“A Heart That Forgives”, Kevin LeVarhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hhr5iro0KVI“Here I Am”, Kevin LeVarhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arJGD6qqPCo“You Are My Hiding Place”, Selahhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Co6HXUN19AY“The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power”, CeCe Winanshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1YPUx3oNZs“Well Done”, Tye Tribbetthttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeMiXvKGvwM“Ancient of Days’, Ron Kenolyhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOe5GpqFJrE

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens,  “It has come at last—salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth— the one who accuses them before our God day and night. And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb
      and by their testimony.  And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die. Therefore, rejoice, O heavens! And you who live in the heavens, rejoice! But terror will come on the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you in great anger knowing that he has little time.”

[Revelation 12:10-12]

“Testify”

Good Morning Beloved,

The Bible is the living, breathing testimony of an all wise, all knowing, all powerful God.  He looked down throughout the ages and placed snapshots of human history on paper.  One writer in speaking of the acts of Jesus said that: And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.   [John 21:25]

Testimony is powerful.  In a court of law it could mean the difference between someones freedom and their imprisonment.  The same is true in life in general.  Someone else could be in a prison which we’ve already been freed from.  We have the key and we need to share it with them.  If we’ve been delivered from anything, God can use that very thing to bring deliverance to other people. 

Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. [1 Corinthians 6:9-11 NLT]

Testimony can also be used to give somebody hope.  To let them know that no matter the difficulty and struggle, God is still able.  A single mom needs to know that these days of diapers, missed buses, financial problems, doctors’ appointments, report cards, phone calls, meetings with teachers, sickness, penny pinching, chauffeuring, tears, strong willed little darlins’, and yelling will be over all too soon.  They need to see that on the other side, they will actually miss some of the darnedest things.  Telling someone our testimony has another side benefit.  As we tell others what God has done in our life in the past, it actually strengthens our faith that if He brought me through that ( … pause… praise break… HALLELUJAH!!!)

… He WILL bring us through whatever it is that we are in the midst of now!

…. and THAT Beloved is Good News!

U Blessed!

Have A Fabulous Day

Regina

“Testify”, Dottie Peoples

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GCzJlhrRV4

“He Meant It For My Good”, Dottie Peoples

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLABsFAxKb8

“This Morning When I Rose”, Mississippi Mass Choir w/ Mother Burke

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwMzirVEyeg

“Come On In The Room”, Georgia Mass Choir

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnXMSAa1qW4

“Order My Steps”, GMWA Women of Worship

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbjqUjeIGEA

“For Every Mountain”, Kurt Carr Singers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udkZus321a4

“I Almost Let Go”, Kurt Carr Singers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4W5G1kt3pY

“Can’t Give Up Now”, Mary Mary

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKUg65Qnugg

“Revival In The Land”, Carmen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-VfBxR0uss

 

Monday, July 20, 2009

Copyright 2009 Michael D. Waters

Be Kind To Goats -Luke 6:35 130 of 130   Jesus teaches to show love and kindness to our neighbor, even if your neighbor treats us unkindly in return. July 19, 2009

Good Morning Beloved!

Happy Monday!

Talk about something that goes against everything ‘natural’ within us.  There are exceptions of course, but for most of us, when we’re mistreated our first inclination is NOT to bless them real good.  ‘Bless them out’ maybe, but when somes really hurts us, I mean really hurts us we want revenge or at least justice.  I remember when Tyler Perry’s ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman’ came out, there was a lot of debate.  People were stuck on the “Mad Black Woman” part.  They could’nt understand why she was mad. Unfortunately this story could have portrayed a woman of any ethnicity.  You marry a man of very little means and stick by his side during extremely lean times.  You work to put him through college and law school, and after he becomes successful and wealthy, he, his mistress and their kids callously kick you out of your house after 18 years.  That would make anyone angry.  My grandmother would have called him an ‘old goat’.  I love the picture in the scripture verse.  The sheep showed kindness, and fed the goat even though the goat mistreated him.  God called us to live peaceably with each other.  He called us to love…especially the ‘unlovely’.  He did it and because He did it, He knows that we can do it.  We have an advantage… His Spirit which enables us to do what we can’t in our strength.  We should never be afraid to ask for help from the One from which all blessings flow.  Great is our reward in heaven (and Praise God we get some stuff here too). People will try to take advantage of your kindness, but there is nothing wrong with setting boundaries.  One of the most over-used phrases ever is “I thought they was a Christian”.  It’s amazing how quick people are to throw that one out.  A good reminder — being a Christian does not exempt us from trouble, but we have a hope in the midst of trouble.  A promise and a peace that it will not last forever.  Picture the three Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace … God did not stop the people from throwing them in the fire, but He walked with them in the middle of the fire and when they came out, the smell of smoke was not even on them. Some of us have been through some things that people don’t believe because we don’t carry the ’smell’ of where we’ve been on us.  Christians get angry and the bible tells us to ’sin not’, but sometimes we do.  When we miss the mark, we have an advocate with the Father in Christ Jesus and we can ask for and receive forgiveness.  We experience pain, suffering, sickness and loss like everybody else, but we have a God who still heals.  He still mends broken hearts.  He still blesses.  He still makes ways where there seem to be no ways.  So whether we’re dealing with sheep, goats or sheep who act like goats… we need to love ‘em … keep pressing toward the mark, with our eyes on Jesus and live!

… that Beloved of God is Good News!

U Blessed,

Have A Fabulous Day

Regina

“A Heart That Forgives”, Kevin LeVar and One Sound

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3VT2bMpoYY

“Let It Go”, Kirk Franklin & Toby Mac

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJ4uWwZMq5M

“Awesome God”, Kirk Franklin & Papa San

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co3N3LCU-ck

“I Have A Friend (“JESUS”)”, Clint Brown

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7i3GMSY6Dp4

King James Version view cartoons in Biblical order Copyright 2009 Michael D. Waters

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Is there a conflict, then, between God’s law and God’s promises?  Absolutely not! If the law could give us new life, we could be made right with God by obeying it. But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.  Before the way of faith in Christ was available to us, we were placed under guard by the law. We were kept in protective custody, so to speak, until the way of faith was revealed.  Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith. And now that the way of faith has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian. For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.

[Galatians 3:21-28]

Under New Guard!

“The Power of One”, Israel Houghton & New Breed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlmOzJ4rGck

“No Limits”, Israel Houghton & New Breed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IY3eMHwIaFk

“He Reigns”, Kevin LaVar and One Sound

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPDUvrKIRtY

“You Are God Alone”, Marvin Sapp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccpdk2bQF9M

 

Copyright 2009 Michael D. Waters

Rescue Copter -Psalm 89:14 1 of 128   Our God is a God of justice, but also a God of mercy. Through the blood of Jesus, God’s mercy is available to us now. It is up to us to decide to accept it. We don’t want to be camping out in “Sin Forest” when judgment time comes.

Copyright 2009 Michael D. Waters

Bread of Life -2 Corinthians 2:14 2 of 128   Jesus said in John 6:36 “I am the bread of life”. It is up to the believers to take the Bread of Life (Jesus) out of the Bakery (the church building), to where the hungry people are. After eating “Satan’s Garbage”, the aroma of the Bread of Life will certainly smell good. January 1, 2007

Copyright 2009 Michael D. Waters

Grace Cafe -2 Corinthians 1:20 3 of 128   All of God’s promises throughout the Bible are fulfilled in Jesus. The grace of God has been made freely available to us through the blood of Jesus. January 1, 2007

Copyright 2009 Michael D. Waters

Highway Exit -Matthew 7:13 8 of 128   The Hebrew word translated repent is nacham, which means to turn around, or change one’s mind. On the highway of sin, there is only one destination. Repentance takes us in the opposite direction, to the road that leads to life. January 1, 2007

 

Copyright 2009 Michael D. Waters

Desert Oasis -Isaiah 55:2 9 of 128   The Kingdom of God, the Church, is an oasis in the middle of the dry desert of the world. God invites those who are thirsty to come and partake of His bounteous table.. January 1, 2007

Copyright 2009 Michael D. Waters

Bus Stop -Colossians 1:13 17 of 128   We were all on the “bus to hell”, at some point in our lives. Thank God for the “bus stop”, Jesus, who allowed us to get off of that bus. February 17, 2007

Friday, June 26, 2009

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
[John 14:27]

Good Morning Beloved,

I love Jesus.  I love the compassion He has.  He knew that His time was drawing near to be offered up.  He had been with His disciples for 3 years.  They depended on Him.  They had left their homes and businesses to follow Him.  He let them know that He was not going to leave them completely alone.  He told them that He was leaving them His peace, and the Father would be sending the ‘Comforter’ to them… the Holy Spirit.  Of course they had no idea what He was talking about at the time, but He knew they would soon enough.  All of them with the exception of John who was exiled to the isle of Patmos, was martyred for their faith in Him.  He knew that extremely difficult days were ahead for them.  In spite of, they all died, not only willingly, but felt honored to be counted worthy to die in His Name.  We are blessed to live in a nation where we have the freedom to worship the True and Living God.  We have no fear of armed guards coming into our churches and attacking us and putting us into prison for our faith.  That is happening today in many places around the world.  That Word is real for millions of persecuted believers all over the world.  Peace is invaluable.  Now, we do have issues and situations that rock our peace.  There are so many tragic events all around us.  Some people are afraid to ride the subway because of the crash here in DC, others are afraid of large crowds and malls because of various incidents around the country.  Fear is an insidious thief.  God has not given us the spirit of fear, so one guess where it came from.. you’re right, the enemy of our souls.  The peace of God will squash fear.  When I heard of the death of Ed McMahon I was sad.  I felt like a piece of my childhood died with him.  Some of my fondest memories of just hanging with my grandmother watching “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson”, Lawrence Welk, Mike Douglas… yes .. that was how we rolled.  Then, I heard of Farrah Fawcetts’ death from Cancer … another icon from my childhood, Charlies’ sweet Angel, but when Michael Jackson passed on the same day at 50 (only 9 years older than me) … I was stunned.  The death toll this week of people I knew or knew of is unnerving.  For people who we love and admire, they could live to be a 150 and their death would be too soon.  My thoughts and prayers go out to not only the families and loved ones of these great people, but to all who have suffered loss recently.  It is a reminder that life is brief.  The bible describes our life as a vapor.  It makes fulfilling our vision and walking towards our destiny even more crucial.  I don’t want to meet God with any unfinished business.  I want to do what He created me to do.  I submit to you that the half has not been seen.  He has planted so much within us.  We need to press into His heart like never before and release what He has for us… its not for us… it is for somebody else..

… that Beloved is Good News

U Blessed

Have A Fabulous Day

Regina

“All Hail The King”, Shekinah Glory Ministries

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwB-Q4F89RM

“Peace Be Still”, Vanessa Bell Armstrong

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tplMwItTtk

“He’s Preparing Me”, Daryl Coley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpJ_0IxNoUM

“Sovereign”, Wilmington Chester Mass Choir w/Daryl Coley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApCX84oDDJ8

“Restoration”, TONEX

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYwrSv437WM

Fort Peace -Philippians 4:6,7 31 of 127   If your mind is being bombarded by fear and worry and doubt, seek the shelter of God’s peace by going to Him in prayer. May 27, 2007

When Fear Knocks… -Mark 4:40 29 of 127   When Fear knocks..let Faith answer the door. May 13, 2007

Lion of Judah -Deuteronomy 28:7 7 of 127   In Revelation 5:5, Jesus is referred to as the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Like a lion, our Lord is powerful and strong, and able to protect us from the enemy. January 1, 2007

Highway Exit -Matthew 7:13 8 of 127   The Hebrew word translated repent is nacham, which means to turn around, or change one’s mind. On the highway of sin, there is only one destination. Repentance takes us in the opposite direction, to the road that leads to life. January 1, 2007

Don’t Worry -Matthew 6:26,27 12 of 127   It can be easy to let yourself fall into the trap of worrying about money. We must learn to trust that God will take care of us, and provide for us, just as He takes care of the birds of the air. January 1, 2007

King James Version view cartoons in Biblical order Copyright 2009 Michael D. Waters

Dynamite -Mark 11:23 13 of 127   The power of God can remove any obstacle that is preventing you from getting to where God wants you to be. Our faith allows God to release His power in our lives, to remove the mountains in our way. January 13, 2007

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

***********

But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.”  It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.  But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.  Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever.  Amen.

Jude 1:17-24

‘Persevere With The Peace-Keeper’

Good Morning Beloved,

We’re never alone… isn’t that great.  No matter where we find ourselves today.  There is One who is faithful, true and strong. 

Father, in the Name of Jesus bless Your child reading this today.  Strengthen their resolve to do what is right.  Give them wisdom, and multi-million dollar ideas.  Your Word tells us that You have given us the power the gain wealth.  Our prayer is that we are always sensitive to the leading of Your Holy Spirit and that we not forget You whether we are in times of hard struggle or great prosperity.  We pray, that we stay on the path the leads to righteousness, and never forget that the joy of the Lord is our strength.  May we also remember that when we are weak, You oh Lord are strong.  Help us never to forget the treasure that You have invested in our earthen vessels.  We know that greater is He that is within us, then He that is in the world.  May we remind ourselves, that You are able to do exceeding, abundantly above all that we can ask or imagine, according to the power that works with us …no matter what is going on externally. You told us that if we have faith the size of a mustard seed, that we can speak to the mountain, tell it to be removed into the sea and it would move.  You said that nothing shall be impossible for us.  Furthermore, Father, You have not given us the spirit of fear, but of love, power and of a sound mind.  You said that if we keep our mind stayed on You that You would keep us in perfect peace…

…. and that dearly Beloved… is Good News!

To those who are called, Beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:  May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. [Jude 1:1]

U Blessed

Have A Fabulous Day!

Regina

********

James 5:16

Deuteronomy 8:18

2 Corinthians 4:7

Ephesians 3:20

Matthew 17:20

Isaiah 26:3

“Peace Be Still”, Vanessa Bell Armstrong

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tplMwItTtk

“Always”, Jason Champion

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EbbhI6c4Bg

“Hold On…Change Is Coming”, Sounds of Blackness

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlBvVbhDpRA

Fort Peace -Philippians 4:6,7 31 of 109   If your mind is being bombarded by fear and worry and doubt, seek the shelter of God’s peace by going to Him in prayer. May 27, 2007

Peace Rock -John 16:33 41 of 109   Even in the midst of a stormy sea of trouble, we can have peace in Jesus, a peace as solid as a rock. But if we give in to worry and fear, we will be in danger of sinking.

Friday, January 2, 2009

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:14 

Philippians 3:14 

 
But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”

Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lamp stand from its place, unless you repent.

….pressing on… no looking back

“Press Toward The Mark”, Saints In Praise

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kKSzAUqZA4

“No Looking Back”, Damita Hadden

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a__5VVFNoWw

Refreshment Station -Romans 15:32 65 of 105   If you are becoming weary in your faith walk, perhaps it’s time to draw on the strength and refreshing that God provides through the force of joy. Nehemiah 8:10 tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. February 3, 2008

Unwanted Intruder -2 Corinthians 10:5 56 of 105   This cartoon is an illustration of the battle that goes on inside our mind. Wrong thoughts may try to come into our mind, but we must remain on guard, and usher them out as quickly as they came in. November 25, 2007

Ranger Rescue -Isaiah 52:7 52 of 105   This cartoon is an encouragement to the church to get out of the “ranger station” of the church building, and up on the “mountain” of the world, where people are in need of rescue. October 28, 2007

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

 Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.

Proverbs 16:18

Pride is a “trip”

Good Morning Beloved,

Ever been around a spoiled brat that drives everybody crazy.  The ones who pout and cry and throw temper tantrums if they do not get their own way.  The favored child who seems to always get their way from everyone, especially their doting parents.  Now, I was raised as an only child, so my information comes from my friends who have siblings.  The favored one may be the only girl or the only boy or the baby of the family.  I can recall during my senior year in high school, I worked part-time at a day care center.  One of the parents was a single mom who was very wealthy.  Her son was… shall we say ‘very strong-willed’.  He really liked the center and never wanted to leave.  She would try to coax him to leave, to which he would simply announce flatly, “I’m gonna cry”.  To which she would almost plead, “no, sweetie please don’t cry”.  I would listen to this lengthy exchange and shake my head.  Wherever he is today… I sure hope he grew out of that.  The favored child.  I’ve seen the same attitude in the holy house of God. We are favored, however some of our brothers and sisters take it to the extreme.  When our heart dips over into the pride realm, it’s time to pull back and sit down at the feet of Jesus.  No one should ever look down their nose at another human being.  It is by God’s grace we are what we are, and have what we have.  Pride comes in sneaky forms, “hummp… they ought to be ashamed coming in here looking like that”, “my child would never behave they way Sister Church Mama’s kids act… where were they raised a zoo?“.  We have probably all had similar thoughts feelings.  We just need to know where they come from and deal with them.  It is by God’s mercy that we are not consumed.  Yes, we are special.  Yes, we are blessed.  Yes, we are forgiven.  Yes, we are anointed.  Yes, we have gifts, talents, and abilities.  These very facts should make us humble because we know that it was nothing we ever did or could ever do to earn it.  I have been around the theater in different capacities since 1985.  I love it.  However, I smile to myself everytime someone compliments me on my ‘acting’ abilities and tells me that I should be on Broadway somewhere.  I’ll let you in on a secret…. if God didn’t anoint me to do what I do, it would be a hot mess.  I have witnessed my performances without the flavor of God on it… laughable.  My auditions are terrible, which is probably why I haven’t done more.  Believe me… I have no problem with humility in that area.  I recognize that our favor is a gift of love from the Hands of our God.

….and that is truly wonderful, stupendous, awesome Good News!

U Blessed!

Have A Fabulous Day!

Regina

 Tye Tribbett:  “Sinking”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvK1LfBxx7g

The Way Up Is Down -Matthew 23:12 102 of 102   It may seem backwards, but Jesus tells us the way for us to be exalted is to humble ourselves, or in other words, the way up is down. This principle is restated in 1 Peter 5:6: Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. November 16, 2008

Monday, November 3, 2008

“He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since He is Lord of heaven and earth, He doesn’t live in man-made temples, and human hands can’t serve His needs—for He has no needs. He Himself gives life and breath to everything, and He satisfies every need.  From one man He created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and He determined their boundaries. “His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward Him and find Him—though He is not far from any one of us. For in Him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’ And since this is true, we shouldn’t think of God as an idol designed by craftsmen from gold or silver or stone. “God over-looked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now He commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to Him. For He has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man He has appointed, and He proved to everyone who this is by raising Him from the dead.” When they heard Paul speak about the resurrection of the dead, some laughed in contempt, but others said, “We want to hear more about this later.” That ended Paul’s discussion with them, but some joined him and became believers. Among them were Dionysius, a member of the council,a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

{Acts 17:24-34}

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
Refrain:
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long;
this is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
angels descending bring from above
echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
(Refrain)

Perfect submission, all is at rest;
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
watching and waiting, looking above, 
filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
(Refrain)

{“Blessed Assurance”}

Text: Fanny J. Crosby, 1820-1915
Music: Phoebe P. Knapp, 1839-1908

God’s promise, His assurance is yes He exists, no… no one really “gets away” with anything.  He is a just God.  The good news for us, is that He is also merciful.  Every moment we have breath, is another moment that was not owed or promised… a gift… time to “work out” our issues with Him.  I heard someone say, something to the effect that, isn’t it funny how we demand justice when someone offends us, and pray for mercy when the shoe is on our foot.  My grandmother used to say, “God ain’t no play-toy…. don’t play with Him”.  There is another side to God lest we think He is all warm and fuzzy… We don’t have to meet that other side though.  He has given us access into His presence.  A ‘golden invitation’ to come and reason with Him about anything.